Arlesey Station Weekend Parking Charges Plan Withdrawn

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 29^th JULY 2026

Alistair Strathern MP has welcomed the withdrawal of plans that would have paved the way for weekend parking charges at Arlesey Station's Henlow-side car park, describing it as a significant victory for local residents.

The application sought to remove a long-standing Section 106 planning obligation that guarantees free weekend parking at the car park.

Following strong opposition from local residents, rail users the MP and community representatives, the application has now been formally withdrawn, meaning no further action will be taken and the existing arrangements remain in place.

Free weekend parking was originally secured as a community benefit alongside new housing development in the area. After years of campaigning by local residents and rail users to ensure that commitment was honoured, the benefit was finally delivered in 2024.

When proposals emerged to remove the requirement and potentially reintroduce weekend charges, Strathern wrote to Central Bedfordshire Council objecting to the application and urging planners to protect the commitment made to the community.

The withdrawal of the application means residents can continue to benefit from free weekend parking, helping support rail travel, local events and confidence that community benefits secured through the planning process will be upheld.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

"This is fantastic news and a real win for everyone who spoke up to defend this important community benefit.

'A huge thank you to everyone who joined with me to object to this deeply unfair proposal.

"Free weekend parking was promised to local residents through the planning process. It took years of campaigning by determined rail users and local people to make sure that promise was finally delivered, so it was deeply concerning to see an attempt to remove it.

"I'm delighted that this application has now been withdrawn. It sends a clear message that commitments made to residents cannot simply be brushed aside.”